10/22/14                                         Darkness Too Visible Response

“Darkness too Visible” by Megan Cox Gurdon talks about young adult literature and it’s suitability towards teenagers. The author takes a strong stance on this debate, stating throughout the article that the books young adults are reading today are inappropriate for their age group. Overall, Megan Cox Gurdon heavily states her opinion on young adult books and their affects on teenagers.

              Megan Cox Gurdon uses different forms of craft to influence the readers in seeing her position. For example, she uses loaded words to turn “inappropriate” books into “harmful” books. She manipulates the readers to become more inclined to see the young adult books as negative for teens by describing them with larger vocabulary, such as changing words from “bad”, to “traumatic”. Additionally, Megan uses narrative from parent’s perspectives to offer first hand evidence to support her claim. Exhibited in the story of Amy Freeman, a 46 year old mother of three who leaves local bookstore Barnes and Nobles empty handed after finding the young adult books unsuitable for her teens. “Nothing, not a thing, I could imagine giving my daughter. It was all vampires and suicide and self-mutilation this dark, dark stuff.”

           After reading this article, it is evident that the author holds a very strong opinion towards young adult literature and if teens should be reading these books. In terms of my own personal opinion, I believe teenagers should be allowed to read and venture within these young adult books. I believe there is nothing in these books that kids aren’t already exposed to in their own lives and experiences. Megan Cox Gurdon may not have changed my position on this debate, however, she used many great craft tools that made me think about the other perspectives on this topic, and, what young adult literature could subliminally be doing to me.